Valve Adjustment Tools - '04 2.4 liter

Mike Murrell · #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 09:05 PM

2004 2.4 liter

Dual cam motor uses special tools to remove shims from lifter buckets.

Could someone point me at a WEB seller they have purchased these tools from?

Thanks.

kathyricks · #2 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 09:15 PM

They have them on ebay. Just use "Toyota valve adjustment" as your search words.

Have you checked your clearances first? You might find they're all in spec and no adjustment is needed.

kathyricks · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 09:28 PM

You can also fashion your own tools. Put several layers of strong nylon reinforced package mailing tape on the tip of a large screwdriver. Then glue a hardware store magnet to the tip of another screwdriver.

Place the tapped tip of the screwdriver on the ledge of the valve lifter and push it down. Next, use a very small screwdriver to dislodge and partially lift up the valve adjustment shim above the lifter. Next, use the hardware store magnet to pull out the shim. One caveat: The tip of the taped screwdriver could scratch the valve lifter if the tape doesn't sufficiently cushion the metal tip of the screwdriver. A strong plastic or wooden rod might be a better and safer tool to use to push down the valve lifter.

mustang67408 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 12:34 AM

If your adjusting them just as maintenance, then e-bay or SPX OTC Tool Manufacturer for Cars and Trucks : Electronic Diagnostics, Hydraulics, Special and General Purpose Tools
should work. Harbor freight might or even Sears.
BUT....... if yr going to try to adjust them because the truck has a miss or they are to tight, then you might as well just pull the cylinder head and replace the exh valves. Adjusting them when there is an issue is just a band-aid. The valves are either burned or have tuliped into the cylinder head and need to be replaced.
Check out this thread 3RZFE- Replacing Burnt Exhaust Valves

Mike Murrell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 10:06 AM

Kathy/Mustang:

Thanks for the info. I was also told about the following a few mins ago

Welcome to SPX Toyota

The truck has 42,500 mi. - owners manual calls for an adjustment at 60K and I will no doubt do it B4 then. Truck is running fine.

I am not familiar with this motor, but my experience with other Asian engines has shown the valves actually get tighter and not looser as some believe. I would imagine that's what' s going on with the 2.7.

mustang67408 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Kathy/Mustang:

Thanks for the info. I was also told about the following a few mins ago

Welcome to SPX Toyota

The truck has 42,500 mi. - owners manual calls for an adjustment at 60K and I will no doubt do it B4 then. Truck is running fine.

I am not familiar with this motor, but my experience with other Asian engines has shown the valves actually get tighter and not looser as some believe. I would imagine that's what' s going on with the 2.7.

That is also a great place for tools. That's actually the one I was originally looking for.

You right, TOYOTA valves DO tighten as they get older and a valve adjust is great to help prevent issues later on.
Good Luck

kathyricks · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Kathy/Mustang:
I am not familiar with this motor, but my experience with other Asian engines has shown the valves actually get tighter and not looser as some believe. I would imagine that's what' s going on with the 2.7.

Clearances can also get looser, especially the intake valves. Depends on a wide range of variables. And sometimes you'll see some valves getting looser and some getting tighter on the same engine.

As a general rule, however, if the owner is performing all scheduled maintenance on time so that the engine continues to run smoothly with good fuel economy and never hotter than normal, then the clearances will not change much for 150,000 miles or more.

But owners who continue driving when there is an ignition system miss or pinging or with cooling system problems that causes the engine running hot or with an exhaust system restriction may end up with tight valve clearances and burned exhaust valves.